An elderly horse was rescued by the fire service specialists after falling into a stream near Exford, on Thursday (July 30).

The 30-year-old, 16-hand-tall horse was trapped in the water and needed the help of a specialist fire-service team from Barnstaple along with an animal rescue tactical advisor. 

Fire crews from Barnstaple were joined by rescue teams from Minehead and Porlock, as well as a vet who sedated the horse to keep him calm during the ordeal. 

The horse was rescued using strops and ropes, and was left in the care of his owner and the vet.